Moon Valley Campground provides unique glamping experiences in northern New Jersey near the New York border. Set on a 5-acre private property in the foothills region, the campground features geodesic domes, canvas tents, and yurts that combine wilderness immersion with modern comforts. The small size ensures privacy between accommodations while maintaining proximity to hiking trails and outdoor recreation areas.
What to do
Explore Appalachian Trail access: Visitors at Moon Valley Campground can reach the Appalachian Trail within minutes. The location provides strategic positioning for day hikes or longer treks. One visitor noted, "The campground is also near the Appalachian trail while still only about an hour from Manhattan!"
Visit Mahlon Dickerson Reservation: Located a short drive from Woodcliff Lake, this park offers extensive outdoor recreation. "Located in the Skylands of New Jersey, Mahlon Dickerson Campgound is a perfect place to spend a few nights or a couple of weeks. The campsites are paved and mostly level. They are wooded and large," explains Jeff W. from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Explore local waterfalls: The region surrounding Woodcliff Lake features several seasonal waterfalls accessible via hiking trails. At Stokes State Forest, campers can explore the Tillman Ravine trail which leads to scenic water features. One reviewer recommended to "make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery."
What campers like
Private camping experience: The limited number of sites at luxury glamping options creates an intimate atmosphere. As Bob F. notes about Moon Valley Campground, "This was a great campsite nestled in the foothills of Northern NJ on the NY border. Small, clean with great views and great location for hiking, cruising etc."
Lakeside camping options: Several campgrounds near Woodcliff Lake offer waterfront sites. Josh S. from Stokes State Forest shares, "We stayed at site 11 on Lake Ocquittunk. It was a fair sized site with room for a couple large tents. Site was located on a small hill next to the lake with the road directly in front and water about 50 yards away."
Elevated camping platforms: Many campgrounds in the region provide raised platforms for tent setup, keeping gear dry during wet conditions. At High Point State Park, sites feature "a platform where you can pitch your tent," according to Paulene-Amanda M., which provides additional comfort when camping in variable weather conditions.
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Some campgrounds in the region are restricted to military personnel. Ethan K. notes about West Point FMWR Round Pond Outdoor Recreation Area, "Unfortunately for me, Round Pond is camping reserved for active and retired military personnel only. We drove through and the whole space is rather large. There are several signs everywhere making it clear that it is only for military."
Bear activity awareness: The region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. When camping at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, one camper mentioned, "There are a lot of bear warnings here so that gave us a bit of pause with our three little boys."
Limited mobile connectivity: Cell service can be unreliable throughout the region's campgrounds. According to Cynthia H. at Panther Lake Camping Resort, "Only down side is that even though they say they have wifi, you can't hook up to it unless you are at the pavilion. And good luck getting cell service! It's like a black hole of signals there."
Tips for camping with families
Look for tent platforms: Many campgrounds provide raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry. A visitor to Camp Glen Gray shared, "Cabins are always clean and stocked with firewood. Lots of hiking trails. Trading post is well stocked and volunteers are always friendly and able to answer any questions."
Consider glamping for first-timers: Luxury glamping near Woodcliff Lake offers an easier entry point for families new to outdoor experiences. Structures like the geodesic domes at Moon Valley provide comfort while maintaining a connection to nature.
Plan for variable weather: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. At High Point State Park, one camper advised, "Tents are on a 30-40 degree incline. The tent was too long for the 12'x10' platform, so we had to set it up on the flattest part and hope not to roll down the hill in the night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: When choosing RV sites near Woodcliff Lake, pay attention to slope and access. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, a visitor mentioned, "Easy to navigate our 38 ft. RV. Easy to dump and fill. Peaceful. Close to train to N.Y. City."
Seasonal occupancy: Many campgrounds near Woodcliff Lake have high percentages of seasonal residents. One camper at Panther Lake Camping Resort observed, "Majority of sites are seasonal campers with LOTS of cottages. Went early in the season so many had not been maintained in months. Only a handful of full hook up sites surrounded by seasonal cottages."
Water hookup variations: Water connections can require additional equipment at some campgrounds. At Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a camper noted, "Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that. Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection."
